What supplements can children use for calming?

Non-Pharmacological and Pharmacological Supplements for Calming Children

For calming children, non-pharmacological approaches like distraction techniques, relaxation methods, and audio-visual entertainment should be tried first, with supplements like melatonin, hydroxyzine, or L-theanine with vitamin B6 considered as adjunctive options when necessary. 1

First-Line Approaches: Non-Pharmacological Methods

• Distraction techniques are highly effective and should be the primary approach for calming children. These include watching movies, listening to music, storytelling, and playing games appropriate to the child's age 1

• Relaxation techniques such as controlled breathing, guided imagery, and progressive relaxation can help reduce anxiety in children and should be implemented before considering supplements 1

• Audio-visual entertainment is particularly effective in distracting children, reducing anxiety, improving cooperation, and minimizing agitation 1

• Creating a calming physical environment with decreased sensory stimulation and soothing ambient lighting can help children feel secure and sometimes even helps them fall asleep 1

• Age-appropriate engagement strategies should be used:

• Pre-school children benefit from caregiver-mediated distraction (e.g., reading stories)
• School-aged children can engage with self-directed activities like watching movies
• Older children and teenagers may already have self-control strategies 1

Supplement Options When Non-Pharmacological Methods Are Insufficient

Melatonin

• Melatonin is available as a dietary supplement that helps establish normal sleep patterns 2 • It is drug-free, non-habit forming, and can be used as a nighttime sleep aid for occasional sleeplessness 2 • Particularly useful for children with sleep disturbances that contribute to daytime anxiety 2

Hydroxyzine

• Hydroxyzine is a sedative antihistamine approved for anxiolytic use in both Europe and the United States 1 • Available in tablets and syrup formulations with few contraindications in children 1 • Can be effective for short-term management of anxiety symptoms 1

L-Theanine with Vitamin B6

• Supplementation with L-Theanine (an amino acid found in tea) combined with vitamin B6 has shown effectiveness in reducing anxiety symptoms in children 3 • A pilot study demonstrated that this combination was significantly more effective than psychoeducation alone in reducing anxiety symptoms in children with Tourette syndrome 3

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Omega-3 supplementation may provide benefits for mood disorders and anxiety in children 4 • Case reports suggest sustained improvement in various symptoms including anxiety when used as an adjunct treatment 4 • Considered safe with minimal side effects 4

Vitamin C

• Research suggests vitamin C supplementation (500 mg daily) may reduce anxiety levels in adolescents 5 • A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial showed vitamin C led to higher plasma concentration and reduced anxiety compared to placebo 5 • May be an effective adjunct to medical and psychological treatment of anxiety 5

Important Considerations and Cautions

• Pharmaceutical interventions should only be performed by authorized, qualified personnel according to hospital and national regulations 1

• No medication is FDA-approved specifically for trauma-related anxiety symptoms or PTSD in children and adolescents 1

• Benzodiazepines (such as midazolam) are generally not recommended in children under 16 years of age 1

• Combinations of anxiolytic medications are contraindicated in children 1

• For children with autism spectrum disorders or developmental disabilities, there are no rigorous evidence-based guidelines regarding psychotropic medications, and atypical medication responses may be more common 1

• Always inquire about previous reactions to medications and consider starting with lower dosages to determine the child's response 1

• The use of dietary supplements is common among people being treated for depression and anxiety, making it important to monitor for supplement-drug interactions 6

Practical Implementation

• Tailor the approach based on the child's age, developmental level, and specific anxiety triggers 1

• For younger children (under 8 years), non-pharmacological approaches are particularly effective 1

• For older children and adolescents, a combination of non-pharmacological techniques and appropriate supplements may be more effective 1

• Always begin with the least invasive approach (non-pharmacological) before considering supplements 1

• Monitor for effectiveness and any adverse reactions when using supplements 1

• Consider the specific context of the child's anxiety (e.g., medical procedures, general anxiety, sleep disturbances) when selecting an approach 1